Monday, June 13, 2011

Did you know that the Brewers have not lost back-to-back ballgames since snapping their 7-game losing streak on May 6th? That's a string of 35 consecutive games in which they have not had a 2-game losing streak.

Do you also know that this is their longest such streak EVER? In the team's entire history.

The previous longest streak was a 31-game streak starting with a win on April 8, 2007 and ending with a win on May 12.

Sunday, June 12, 2011

According to "sources", Major League Baseball is considering realignment, moving one team from the National League to the American League to balance the two leagues at 15 teams each. I have written previously that I think this is a good idea and much needed to right an inequity in that the teams in a 4-team division have an easier time making the playoffs than team in a 6-team division. The inequity would be exagerated if a second wild card team was added.

The Houston Astros and Florida Marlins are mentioned as teams that could potentially move. However many commenters are suggesting that the Brewers move back to the American League - from whereat they originally came. Personally, I would welcome that move.

But the point I want to raise is this: Suppose this idea gets some legs and Major League Baseball does decide to move an NL team to the AL. And suppose the Brewers are chosen as the team to move. Doesn't that shed an entirely different light on the attempt to resign Prince Fielder? An American League Brewers team, needing a designated hitter, would have a much greater use for a slugger like Fielder than a National League team would. In fact, having Fielder on the roster makes the Brewers perhaps better suited to the American League. If the Brewers lose Fielder to an AL team through free agency, they are hurt more if they move than if they stay in the NL.

The Brewers would benefit from the realignment regardless because they will have one fewer teams in their division. But should they not only support the move, but lobby to be the team that goes? Maybe say to Major League Baseball in so many words, "Look, if we can sign Prince, we'll volunteer to move."

Saturday, June 11, 2011

David Pinto calls it a short shutout when a pitcher throws 6 or more innings while allowing no runs. Chris Narveson threw his 4th short shutout of the season last night tying him with Clayton Kershaw for the Major League lead.

There are 21 Major League pitchers who currently have three short shutouts. Among them are Shawn Marcum and Yovanni Gallardo. Randy Wolf has thrown two short shutouts, bringing the team total 12 so far this season. The Brewers had only 11 short shutouts ALL of last season.